Media Tools

Recreational Projects Throughout Maryland to See Enhancements

January 2, 2013

Recreational projects in Allegany, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s and Washington counties and Baltimore City will soon receive funding for necessary upgrades and additions through Program Open Space. Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.

“I am grateful that the creation and maintenance of quality recreational projects is a priority here in Maryland, ensuring that we all have a nearby outdoor area available to unwind, let loose and connect with our natural world,” said Lt. Governor Brown.

Allegany County’s city of Cumberland will receive $3,150 to replace signage at Washington Headquarters/Riverside Park to include custom artwork embedded in fiberglass and finished with a waterproof topcoat. One of the signs will also receive a new header and base.

Baltimore City will receive:

$1,240,067 to renovate the CC Jackson Recreation Center. Improvements include the addition of a geothermal heating and cooling system, green roof upgrades, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility features, a card-reader for more secure access and security cameras.

$1,540,931 to construct an 11,500 square-foot gymnasium, with restrooms and a concession area, at the Clifton Park Recreation Center. The new gym will be built to Silver rating standards under the current version of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System.

$600,000 to make the continuous 3-mile Stony Run path safer and more accessible. The funds will be used to create crossings at major streets and across the stream, construct new path segments, and stabilize eroded areas along the path to ensure safety and minimize stormwater run-off.

$500,000 to develop a new spray pad play area at Farring Baybrook Pool, renovate the existing pool deck and amenities, and bring the pool area into compliance with ADA-entrance standards.

$270,000 to replace existing playground equipment at the Federal Hill Playground with ADA-compliant structures and safety surfacing, expand the picnic grove with picnic tables and benches, and install paths, ramps and curb-cuts needed for accessibility.

$250,000 to redevelop the historic former Superintendent’s House and grounds at Druid Hill Park in cooperation with the Parks and People Foundation. Funds will also be used to restore the park’s landscape and renovate walkways to improve community access.

$950,000 to provide maintenance and general operations of the Baltimore City Park System, consisting of more than 5,700 acres in 400 properties. Projects in the budget year will upgrade and maintain the areas’ playgrounds, athletic fields and park lighting.

$400,000 to develop an athletic complex in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation at CC Jackson Park. Development includes the construction of two athletic fields (football and baseball) with synthetic playing surfaces, bleachers, ornamental fencing, and energy-efficient field lighting. Funds totaling $400,000 were previously approved by the Board of Public Works on the Secretary’s agenda.

$68,400 to replace playground equipment that is more than 20 years old and safety surfacing at Mayeski Park with play equipment consistent with national playground safety standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

$60,750 to replace the old chain-link fence that surrounds the entrance of Farm Park. The new fence will be 3,100 feet long, 6 feet high, black, vinyl chain-link with gates.

$117,000 to replace backstops and protective outfield and dugout fencing on three ball fields at the Carroll County Sports Complex.

Dorchester County will receive:

$31,500 to replace the more than 20-year-old pool cover for the 450,000-gallon Dorchester County Pool. The cover is used during the offseason months and will protect the pool’s plaster base and from constant sunlight while dry, preventing cracking. The cover also prevents debris, animals and children from entering the pool.

$16,200 to replace approximately 80 feet of tile decking at the entrance area of the shallow end of the Dorchester County Pool. The original tile is more than 20 years old and cracking.

$18,000 to replace the more than 20-year-old tube slide located at the deep end of the Dorchester County Pool. The standing platform and walk-up ladder used to get to the slide are starting to corrode and the slide has small, web-like cracks. Replacing the entire slide structure will make this popular attraction safer.

$31,500 to develop an outdoor fitness course on property located in front of the Cambridge South Dorchester High School campus. The course will be used by gym classes during school hours, high school athletic teams after school, and will be available to the general community on nights, weekends and in summer months

Frederick County’s town of Woodsboro will receive $22,238 to upgrade playground and exercise equipment areas at Woodsboro Regional Park with more safety surfacing and borders to comply with current national playground safety standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the existing pavilion will be stabilized making it safer for park users.

Garrett County’s town of Loch Lynn Heights will receive $25,245 to pave the existing gravel and compacted dust walking trail at the Loch Lynn Heights Athletic Complex. The trail is approximately 2,640 feet long by 4 feet wide and provides ADA access to the softball fields, soccer fields and concession/restroom building.

St. Mary’s County will receive $100,000 to replace the 20-year-old field lighting systems on the football/lacrosse field at Dorsey Park and the baseball field at Fifth District Park with a lighting that is energy efficient and minimizes light pollution.

Washington County will receive $157,000 to renovate the existing running track and runway approach areas for the long jump, high jump, pole vault and triple jump pits at Boonsboro High School. This facility utilizes a Joint-Use Agreement so that the track facility may be scheduled for use by the school and the general public to address the recreation needs of Washington County.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,173 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling more than $320 millionthrough local-side Program Open Space since 2007.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the State to preserve 359,076 acres for open space and recreation areas. Of this,38,035 acres ─ more than 10 percent ─ have been preserved within the past 5 years under the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space. A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor O’Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.